Arizona Senate Leader Seeks DOJ Policy Reversal on Phoenix Police Oversight

The future of the Phoenix Police Department’s oversight is under scrutiny as a key Arizona Republican urges a change in federal policy direction. Warren Petersen, Arizona Senate President, is advocating for the Justice Department to end its oversight efforts that began during the Biden administration.

The previous administration’s Justice Department had released a report accusing the Phoenix police of consistent civil rights violations, specifically citing racial discrimination and excessive force. However, Petersen argues that this report is a “witch hunt.”

In an effort to reverse these findings, Petersen has reached out to the Trump administration. In a letter to the DOJ, he requested that top civil rights attorney end efforts to impose a court-appointed monitor over the department.

During a recent visit to Washington, D.C., Petersen also discussed these concerns with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, as reported by KJZZ. He argues that the report was influenced by “radical activists” aiming to undermine law enforcement.

Concerns about the report’s accuracy were echoed by the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association, according to Petersen. He has congratulated U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon on her confirmation and urged her to block the establishment of a consent decree.

Petersen argues that such a decree would be financially burdensome and could deter police performance. He also expressed apprehension over federally appointed monitors who might not be accountable to local community interests.

“These consent decrees are nothing more than backhanded attempts to hijack police departments and bring them under the control of the federal government. The consent decrees are unconstitutional and exploited by overreaching presidential administrations,” Petersen wrote.